Another terrible news hit the Tampa Bay Lightning, as Jon Cooper has sorrowfully announced…
The Tampa Bay Lightning have received even more awful news, as Jon Cooper has announced with regret.
The Tampa Bay Lightning captain, Vincent Lecavalier, looks for the puck during the Pittsburgh Penguins’ 3-0 victory in the opening game of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal playoff series on April 13, 2011, at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania’s Consol Energy Center. The file photo was given by Archie Carpenter/UPI.
Vincent Lecavalier will become the second player in Tampa Bay Lightning history to have his number retired, the team announced on Monday.
Before the Lightning face the Los Angeles Kings at home on February 10, 2018, Lecavalier’s No. 4 will be retired in a ceremony.
After spending 14 years with the squad, Lecavalier is the franchise’s all-time leading goal scorer with 383 goals. The 19-year-old native of Quebec was elected the team’s captain in his second season, becoming the youngest player in NHL history to wear the “C.”
Lecavalier, 37, thanked the Lightning organization and chairman Jeff Vinik in a team statement for recognizing him with this accomplishment. He remarked, “Having my number retired is a great honor.” Because of the incredible support our fans and the Tampa Bay community have given my family and me, it is very special to share this award with everyone. My family and I are excited to celebrate February 10th and share a ton of memories.
Lecavalier was the only other Lightning player to have their number retired, along with Martin St. Louis, after he amassed 874 points in 1,037 games during his tenure with the team.
“We are extremely happy to retire another outstanding player from our franchise, especially since we are commemorating our 25th anniversary this year,” Vinik said.
“During his 14 years with the team, Vinny was an incredible player. He also served as a true hero and ambassador for many people in Tampa Bay through his unwavering community service.”
Lecavalier helped the Lightning win the Stanley Cup in 2004. His best season was 2006–07, when he led the NHL in goal scoring with 52 goals and 108 points with the Lightning and won the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy.
The four-time All-Star declared his retirement in June 2016 following 17 NHL seasons, 421 goals, and 949 points in 1,212 games with the Philadelphia Flyers, Kings, and Lightning.
In the 1998 NHL draft, Lecavalier was chosen by Tampa Bay with the first overall choice.
